Many people experience chronic pain daily. Exercise, participating in an active social life, and adhering to any medication and therapy regimens that a doctor recommends are all ways that people might attempt to manage chronic pain.

Depending on how long it lasts, doctors may categorize pain as acute (short-term), subacute (medium-term), or chronic (long-term).

Acute discomfort lasts less than a month, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source recommendations. Chronic pain can be caused by trauma, illness, surgery, and various types of injuries.

Acute pain that is not alleviated or is subacute often lasts one to three months before becoming chronic.

According to the CDC recommendations, chronic pain lasts more than three months. Chronic pain can be caused by an underlying medical disease, medical interventions, or inflammation, but occasionally doctors are unable to pinpoint the cause.

This article provides advice and DIY treatments for managing chronic pain.

Having Persistent Pain

More than 1 in 5 persons in the United States live with chronic pain, according to a 2022 study that was published in the journal Pain. 

Chronic pain is associated with decreased quality of life, higher medical costs, and severe monetary losses. In a survey, back, hip, knee, and foot pain were the most often mentioned chronic pains among respondents.

In a similar vein, chronic pain in children is cited by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a major public health issue and a major contributor to child fatalities worldwide. They experience negative emotional, bodily, and social effects.

A person with chronic pain can, however, take action to lessen their symptoms and control their condition.

For instance, the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom suggests exercising and, if possible, continuing to work to manage chronic pain. A person can live a fuller life by staying active.

Exercise 

Although a person with chronic pain may benefit from exercise, the form of exercise they select should not be too demanding. People may think about:

Jogging, swimming, riding a stationary bike, dancing, yoga, or pilates.

Stretching and exercise can be included in a person’s daily routine. Short workouts done frequently are preferable to long ones done infrequently.

Regardless of whether they are experiencing a good or terrible day, a person should attempt to maintain constant levels of activity as this may assist in lowering the overall frequency of bad days.

A Social Life

People with chronic pain may find it challenging to maintain an active social life, yet it may inadvertently encourage them to be more physically active and lessen their symptoms.

A 2020 investigation into the relationship between social support and physical activity over time was published in the British Journal of Health Psychology (Reliable Source). The researchers found that while discomfort may keep some people from exercising, social support can lessen this impact.

They discovered that people’s levels of physical activity were indirectly impacted by social support by decreasing their pain. Both the general population and a subgroup of people with chronic pain experienced this.

The authors came to the conclusion that increasing people’s social support systems might have a positive impact on their level of physical activity.

Medications

Before beginning or discontinuing any drug or other treatment for chronic pain, consult with your doctor.

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can assist a person in remaining active. However, it is critical to exercise caution and keep in mind that all medications might cause negative effects.

Adults are typically considered safe to use the common pain reliever acetaminophen, according to doctors. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, may also be tried by some patients, but not if they have another ailment, such as a stomach ulcer.

If a person needs these medications to get through a pain flare-up or an anticipated activity, they can take them as prescribed every 4-6 hours. 

For two weeks, they may take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. People should consult their doctor or pharmacist for help if their medications do not start to work during this period.

The underlying source of the pain may also be the focus of drug treatment for chronic pain, and treatments may include:

• Antidepressants
• Antiepileptic 
• Benzodiazepines and other muscle- and bone-relaxing medications
• Corticosteroids
• Topical rubefacients and the chili pepper chemical capsaicin, as well as 
• The local anesthetic lidocaine, can be used to treat soft tissue problems

Physical Exercise

Physical therapy is frequently advised by professionals in pain. An individual suffering from chronic pain can benefit from a brief course of treatment by:

Facilitating their movement and relieving their discomfort makes daily tasks like walking, climbing stairs, and getting out of bed simpler.

Physical therapy, stretching, and pain-relieving activities by a physical therapist, chiropractor, osteopath, or occupational therapist.

Typically, occupational therapists assist with adjustments to a person’s environment that enable them to continue working and function better at home, while physical therapists typically offer advice on the proper types of exercises.

After just a few sessions, physical therapy may start to feel beneficial.

Meditation

Brain alterations brought about by meditation may facilitate a person’s ability to manage their chronic pain.

For instance, a 2020 study reported in The American Journal of Psychiatry reveals that mindfulness and meditation can alter the thickness of the cortical tissue in some regions of the brain, decreasing pain sensitivity.

A 2018 white paper on non-drug pain therapy also came to the conclusion that practitioners underutilize drug-free pain management. 

According to scientists, mindfulness has beneficial impacts on those who suffer from fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and persistent headache pain.

A Home Remedy

To avoid the potential negative effects of over-the-counter or prescription pharmaceuticals, some people turn to natural therapies for pain relief.

For instance, according to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health Trusted Source, persons who suffer from chronic pain may find benefit from yoga, meditation, and tai chi.

Furthermore, a 2017 analysis by Trusted Source discovered some evidence that mindfulness meditation could enhance quality of life and lessen symptoms of depression and chronic pain.

Also, Read 10 Tips from Ayurveda for Improving Digestion

Larger trials are required to assess the impacts, the researchers warned.

To lessen chronic pain, some people may experiment with herbal medicines including lavender, rosemary, and capsaicin. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate the quality of herbal supplements, therefore it is crucial to see a doctor before using any natural cure as part of a chronic pain management plan.